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Soldiers dragged Benue warlord, Gana, Out of Govt Convoy Before he was Killed – Community Leader

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More facts on Wednesday emerged about how a notorious militia leader in Benue State, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, was killed by the military on Tuesday despite embracing amnesty.

A community leader, who confided in one of our correspondents in Makurdi, the state capital, said Gana was in a government convoy when he was dragged out of a car by soldiers at a checkpoint in Gbitse, near Yandev roundabout in the Gboko Local Government Area of the state.

The Commander of Operation Ayem A Kpatuma, Major General Ali Gadzama, had on Tuesday told Channels Television that Gana was killed in a gun battle with soldiers.

But it was gathered that the militia leader had between 11am and 2pm on Tuesday at the Katsina Ala Stadium in the presence of prominent indigenes of the Sankera District of the state, including the First Class Chief of the area , His Royal Highness, Abu Shuluwa, embraced amnesty.

Recall that the militia leader and others had in the state Government House in 2015 surrendered no fewer than 200 guns including AK-47 riffles.

But the peace move was thwarted after the killing of the Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on Security, Denen Igbane, in 2016. After the incident, the militia leader went back to the bush.

The community leader, who confided in The PUNCH, said the latest peace move efforts were initiated by some prominent indigenes , who urged Gana to drop arms and embrace peace.

He said, “He (Gana) actually came out because of the assurance given by the prominent indigenes and traditional rulers and he was not armed when he was dragged out of the car and taken away to be killed.

“The militia leader sat in-between the Chairman of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Alfred Atera, and a priest in one of the cars in the government convoy.”

According to the source, the convoy was stopped by soldiers at a checkpoint in Gbitse on its way to Makurdi.

He stated, “As soon as we got to the military checkpoint, some soldiers who spotted Gana had to pull down the priest, drag Gana into their waiting vehicle and zoom off.”

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Tributes Pour In After Death of Welsh Music Icon Bonnie Tyler at 75

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Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry following the death of legendary Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler at the age of 75.

Tyler, best known for timeless hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero, and It’s a Heartache, died in a hospital in Portugal after complications from emergency intestinal surgery. Her family confirmed the news and requested privacy during this difficult time.

Among those paying tribute were actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who described Tyler as an extraordinary talent with a joyful spirit, while fellow musicians including Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams praised her distinctive voice, enduring influence, and remarkable career.

Tyler rose to international fame in the 1980s with her powerful, raspy vocals, earning Grammy nominations and building a career that spanned five decades. Her music continued to resonate with audiences worldwide long after her chart-topping success.

Fans across the world also took to social media to celebrate her life and legacy, remembering her as one of the defining voices of pop and rock music whose songs inspired generations.

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FG to Airlift About 300 Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobia Concerns

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to airlift about 300 Nigerians from South Africa on Wednesday following renewed xenophobic attacks and rising security concerns.

The evacuation is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens affected by the recent wave of violence and hostility targeting some foreign nationals in South Africa.

According to government officials, the returnees voluntarily registered for evacuation after expressing concerns over their safety and livelihoods amid the unrest.

Relevant Nigerian authorities, in collaboration with officials in South Africa, have coordinated the evacuation process, including travel arrangements and necessary documentation for the affected citizens.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and said it would continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to address the situation and safeguard the rights of Nigerians residing in the country.

The planned evacuation comes as both countries continue efforts to strengthen bilateral relations while addressing recurring incidents of xenophobic violence that have affected foreign nationals in South Africa.

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UN AI Safety Panel Warns Scientists Cannot Rule Out ‘Catastrophic Harm’ From Artificial Intelligence

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The ‘s inaugural AI safety panel has warned that scientists cannot dismiss the possibility of “catastrophic harm” arising from increasingly advanced artificial intelligence systems.

In its assessment, the panel said AI has the potential to deliver enormous benefits across sectors such as healthcare, education, scientific research, and economic development. However, it cautioned that the technology also poses significant risks if left without adequate safeguards.

The experts noted that while there is no consensus on the likelihood of extreme AI-related scenarios, the possibility of catastrophic outcomes cannot be ruled out, making proactive governance and international cooperation essential.

The panel urged governments, technology companies, researchers, and international institutions to work together in establishing robust standards for AI development, transparency, accountability, and risk management.

It also emphasized the need to balance innovation with public safety, ensuring that the rapid advancement of AI technologies does not outpace regulatory frameworks designed to protect societies.

The report comes as countries around the world intensify efforts to develop AI policies amid growing concerns over misinformation, cybersecurity threats, job displacement, privacy, and the long-term implications of increasingly capable AI systems.

The panel concluded that global collaboration will be crucial to maximizing AI’s benefits while minimizing risks that could have far-reaching consequences for humanity.

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